Last Wednesday, I explained how I develop my characters’ spiritual growth by looking at the lie they believe at the beginning of the story and the truth that will set them free by the end. We brainstormed ideas for the hero of our evolving story, and this Wednesday we’ll have some fun with the heroine.
But today I’d like to look at Ginny Bryson, the heroine of Deep Cover, and discuss the lies we believe.
Ginny cares for a dying mother, and is absolutely devoted to her mentally challenged younger sister. She pours her life into helping others, championing a group home for special needs adults seeking independence, and coaching a T-ball team of special needs youth.
Yet, when her mom takes a sudden turn for the worse, Ginny says to Rick, “I’ve taken care of Mom and Lori my whole life. When they’re gone, I’ll have no one. Be no one.”
This is the lie she believes.
We all have them. Some conscious. Some unconscious. They shape our thoughts, our choices, our actions, and our reactions. Sometimes a loved one (maybe our very own hero) helps us to see the truth. Sometimes God leads us to it in other ways. Sometimes we struggle for years not realizing we’re shackled by a lie.
Your turn: What are some of the lies you’ve believed? Can you share a truth that set you free? Like Ginny, does your sense of worth and identity come from what you do or from who you’re with? Where does God want it to come from?
RSS - Posts
Poor thing. She needs to find a hobby and some friends!
Such wisdom here. We all believe lies, but us women seem a little more susceptible to them I think. I tend to think I’m a failure if my kids aren’t doing well, yet they are both in their thirties, and make their own choices. Yet I still feel if I had trained them well, they’d make wiser choices. Sigh. I fight this one constantly. Sometimes I win the fight.
Maybe, get a chicken or two, eh, Lisa? -smile-
Jeanette, you are soooo right. As a mother, it’s so easy to fall into that trap. I homeschooled my three children, so I would’ve really had a lot to account for if they messed up.
Oh, yes, I’ve experienced this but mine is far too complicated to spell out in a comment section. Plus, I have a bit of a headache and having trouble getting words to work. But I definitely understand what you’re saying here!
Thanks for stopping by Eileen, hope you soon feel better. Not sure what went wonky with the posts that the one from two Wednesdays ago went up again today ahead of this one. Everything in cyberspace seems to be going wonky for me today! I think I’ve got it fixed, now.
I’ve definitely been there done that. In fact I was raised that way. I was the younger sister who wasn’t as smart (at least in math and science). My sister was the ‘good’ one — the mature one. I was the dreamy, goofy, scattered one. So let’s just say I was a shock to my parents and every teacher in grade school all of whom had had my sister first. It got to the point that everyone (including mum and dad) called me by my sister’s name when I did something right and by my name when I did something wrong. Talk about negative reinforcement!
It kept up into my teens — my parents emphaszing what I couldn’t do and trying to make me better at it — in other words, more like my sister. And then I became the family joke — in a loving way — none of this was deliberate. So I became the klutzy comic relief because I didn’t know any other way to be.
The turning point for me happened when I started going to church and someone asked me if I would help in the nursery. I couldn’t believe they would trust me to do a job like that but everyone was very encouraging and helpful and when I made mistakes (and I made a ton!) they just took it all in stride and explained things over again. Then I was a Sunday School teacher to three year-olds and then seven year-olds and then pre-teen girls!
And you know what? I could do it! And I was amazed that I could! My family couldn’t believe it! I don’t think they still can. But I am so grateful for my church family for stepping in and building me up so lovingly.
Over the years I have helped in various capacities in various congregations and I always feel like that terrified klutzy kid at first but I manage to accomplish whatever task I am assigned.
What an inspiring story Kav. The more I learn about you, the more I think you’d make this amazing character in a YA novel…a series. I’m serious.
I believed I couldn’t say no. Probably other ones that I still have to fight. *sigh*
Tough stuff.
Oh, that’s a good one. Of course, I love people like you when I’m trying to organize stuff and need willing workers!!